Showing papers on "Pairwise comparison published in 1989"

Network Structures in Proximity Data

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses network representations and their relationship to proximity data. Proximity data are commonplace in the social and behavioral sciences. Networks have several properties that should be of value in representing the structure in proximity data. Networks reduce a large number of pairwise proximities to a smaller set of links. Compared to spatial scaling methods, networks focus on the closely related entities. Graph theory is the mathematical study of structures consisting of nodes with links connecting some pairs of nodes. In applications of networks, the nodes usually represent entities and the links represent pairwise relations among the entities. Because a set of nodes can be connected by links in many possible ways, a wide variety of structures can be represented by graphs. The methods used to obtain the proximity data used in the Pathfinder analyses are straightforward and analogous to methods employed to obtain data for cluster analysis

GROUPABIL1TY: an analysis of the properties of binary data matrices for group technology

Abstract: SUMMARY Block-diagonalization of the machine-component incidence matrix is the first step in the implementation of group technology. Even powerful algorithms will fail to achieve this if the matrix itself is not amenable to block-diagonalization. The present work analyses the properties of the matrix and identifies the standard deviation of the pairwise similarities (Jaccard7rpar; of the vectors as the major factor that decides the groupability of the data set. Many data sets ranging from the perfectly groupable to the most ill structured ones are analysed and presented. The groupability curves show the variation of the property against the relevant factors.

Two-Moment Decision Models and Expected Utility Maximization: Comment

Abstract: The two most common approaches to analyzing behavior under uncertainty are the expected utility model (EU) and the meanstandard deviation model (MS). Jack Meyer (1987) has recently established in this Review that when the choice set consists of random variables which are represented by distribution functions that differ from one another only by location and scale parameters, EU and MS are consistent in the sense that any EU ranking of elements of a choice set can also be represented by an MS ranking. No claim has been made by Meyer regarding the EUand MS-efficient sets. However, it can be easily shown that with no additional restrictions, risk-averters' EUefficient set is a subset (in the weak sense) of the MS-efficient set. In this note we extend Meyer's work and prove that under a certain restriction on the support of the distribution, random variables which are MS efficient are also EU efficient, namely, MS and EU yield identical efficient sets. We analyze separately the relationship of MSand EU-efficient sets for all unrestricted U (with U'> 0), and alternatively for all risk-averse U (with U'> 0 and U" < 0). Only pairwise comparisons of risky options are considered.

The Art and Science of Decision Making: The Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of the philosophy and methodology which underlies the Analytic Hierarchy Process. After introducing the method through a series of examples, the theoretical basis of the method is described along with a summary of its mathematical underpinnings. Several recent methodological extensions are also described along with a brief description of several major and illustrative applications. The paper concludes with a summary of the progress to date in the continuing development and application of this important decision-aiding methodology.

Trees, stars, and multiple biological sequence alignment

Abstract: One important problem in biological sequence comparison is how to simultaneously align several nucleic acid or protein sequences. A multiple alignment avoids possible inconsistencies among several pairwise alignments and can elucidate relationships not evident from pairwise comparisons. The basic dynamic programming algorithm for optimal multiple sequence alignment requires too much time to be practical for more than three sequences, the length of an average protein. Recently, Carrillo and Lipman (SIAMJ. Appl. Math., 48 (1988), pp. 1073–1082) have rendered feasible the optimal simultaneous alignment of as many as six sequences by showing that a consideration of minimal pairwise alignment costs can vastly decrease the number of cells a dynamic programming algorithm need consider. Their argument, however, requires the cost of a multiple alignment to be a weighted sum of the costs of its projected pairwise alignments.This paper presents an extension of Carrillo and Lipman's algorithm to the definition of mul...

A tree reconstruction method that is economical in the number of pairwise comparisons used.

Abstract: A fast method for reconstructing phylogenies from distance data is presented. The method is economical in the number of pairwise comparisons needed. It can be combined with a new phylogenetic alignment procedure to yield an algorithm that gives a complete history of a set of homologous sequences. The method is applicable to very large distance matrices. An auxiliary program was developed that simplifies large phylogenies without ignoring biologically essential features. A set of 2 13 globins from vertebrates, plants, and Vitreoscilla (a prokaryote) were analyzed using this method.

A filtering process for general constraint-satisfaction problems: achieving pairwise-consistency using an associated binary representation

Abstract: Considers the use of a partial consistency, issuing from relational database theory, within the constraint-satisfaction problems (CSPs) framework, i.e., pairwise consistency. This partial consistency concerns general CSPs (i.e., CSPs the constraints of which may involve more than two variables). The authors provide a polynomial algorithm for achieving this consistency; then they extend the class of polynomially solvable CSPs. This algorithm is based on a minimal binary representation of a general CSP. >

Optimal arrangement of components via pairwise rearrangements

Abstract: : The authors introduce the notion of comparison of the criticality of two nodes in a coherent system, and develop a monotonicity property of the reliability function under component pairwise rearrangement. They use this property to find the optimal component arrangement. Worked examples illustrate the methods proposed. Keywords: Optimization; Permutations; Nodes.

MAP, an expert system for multiple pairwise linkage analysis.

Abstract: SUMMARY The logic of a program for multiple pairwise linkage analysis under interference is set forth, including a seriation algorithm to obtain a trial order, a mapping bootstrap to improve the trial order, and three procedures for quality control to detect mistyping. This approach is compared with multipoint analysis under null interference, which substantially overestimates map length and cannot incorporate a variety of data.

Multicriteria ranking of urban transportation system alternatives

Abstract: This paper presents the fundamentals of a new method to rank urban transportation system alternatives, taking into consideration multiple criteria. Those criteria can be quantifiable or not. The new method is founded on Utility Theory and it makes use of absolute weighting and pairwise comparisons. It has important practical advantages over other existing methods, the most important among those advantages being its capability to be understood and accepted by professionals and by the public. A numerical example is included in the paper.

Testing the form of a decision-maker’s multiattribute value function based on pairwise preference information

Abstract: In a recent paper we presented a test, based on pairwise preference information, to identify to which class of functions (linear, quasi-concave, or neither) a decision-maker's (implicit) value function belongs. In this note we investigate the power of the test. Some improvements to the test are also suggested.

A Relation between Pairwise Balanced and Variance Balanced Block Designs

Abstract: We show that the problems of constructing pairwise balanced block designs and variance balanced block designs are equivalent. This provides incentive to study only the direct construction for the simplest of these designs—namely, pairwise balanced designs.

Observations Regarding Choice Behaviour in Interactive Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Environments: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract: Many interactive procedures have been developed for solving optimization problems having multiple criteria In such procedures, an exploration over the feasible or efficient region is conducted for locating the most preferred solution As Steuer (1986) notes, interactive procedures are characterized by phases of decision-making alternating with phases of computation Generally a pattern is established that we keep repeating until termination At each iteration, a solution, or group of solutions, is generated for a decision-maker’s (DM’s) examination Based on the examination, the DM inputs information to the solution procedure in the form of tradeoffs, pairwise comparisons, aspiration levels, etc The responses are used to generate a presumably, improved solution, and so forth

Algorithms in Multidimensional Scaling

Abstract: The ideas described in this paper are motivated by a basic problem in Multidimensional Scaling which is solved not quite satisfactory up to now. Suppose that there are given pairwise dissimilarities δij, 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n, as nonnegative real numbers between n objects. These originate from the special type of application and may be, for example in cartography, measurements of pairwise distances disturbed by additive random errors or, in psychology, individual assessments of the deviation in behaviour of n persons measured on a certain real scale. There are many other applications in a variety of fields, a structured overview may be obtained from de Leeuw & Heiser (1980, 1982).

Route choice behavior in transportation—an application of the multiattribute utility theorem

Abstract: Route choice behavior in transportation is an important issue of travel demand analysis. By using pairwise comparison, the multiattribute utility theorem can be used to catch trip‐makers’ travel behavior, to understand current transportation systems, to predict travel demand in the future, to provide a reference to strategic planning and to evaluate the results of improvement strategies. In this paper, route choice for bus patrons is selected to demonstrate both deterministic and stochastic disaggregate demand models, including the Keeney, the probit and the discriminant function methods. In addition, the principal steps to construct multiattribute utility functions are discussed along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Comparison of experiments with weighted distributions

Abstract: In this paper the standard statistical experiment in which a random sample is drawn from some distribution involving an unknown parameter θ is compared with experiments in which samples are obtained from different weighted versions of that distribution, so that the underlying probability of entering the sample is multiplied by some weight function This comparison is carried out by means of the concepts of sufficiency and pairwise sufficiency as developed in Blackwell's theory of the comparison of statistical experiments Many examples are presented which illustrate the wide variety of effects that weight functions can have on the information about θ

Doctoral Program Selection Using Pairwise Comparisons.

Abstract: This article illustrates the application of a pairwise comparison methodology to the doctoral program selection process. The first section includes a brief discussion of the pairwise comparison methodology better known in the literature as Saaty's Analytic Hierarchy Process. In the next section, a hierarchy for structuring and facilitating the doctoral program selection decision is described. This section is followed by an illustration of the methodology using the hierarchy for which four MBA students contemplating a doctoral program provided pairwise comparisons. Next, the results obtained above are discussed, and followed by our summary and conclusions.

AutoMan 2.0: Decision Support Software for Automated Manufacturing Investments. User Manual

Abstract: : This manual documents AutoMan, a microcomputer program designed to support multi-criteria decisions about automated manufacturing investments. The program permits users to combine quantitative and qualitative criteria in evaluating investment alternatives. Quantitative criteria could include such traditional financial measures as Life-Cycle Cost and Net Present Value as well as such engineering performance measures as throughput and setup time. Qualitative criteria could include flexibility and product quality. First, the user specifies the evaluation criteria and the investment alternatives to be evaluated. Second, the user makes pairwise comparisons between criteria to establish their weights. Third, the user rates each investment alternative with respect to the criteria. The pairwise comparison process helps the user rate the qualitative criteria, while measured performance data, such as cost, setup time, or throughput, can be entered for quantitative criteria. AutoMan combines ratings with criteria weights into an overall rating for each investment alternative and then ranks alternatives. Finally, graphical sensitivity analysis can be conducted to visualize the overall ratings of every alternative for every possible weight that could be assigned to any criterion. AutoMan comes with sample decision models and a manual that includes a detailed tutorial, a glossary of evaluation criteria, a bibliography, and an index. Analytic hierarchy process; automation; automated manufacturing; decision, support software; economic evaluation; microcomputer software; multi-criteria decisions; performance measures; qualitative data; sensitivity analysis.

In Support of the Use of Significance Tests and of Unplanned Pairwise Multiple Comparisons

Abstract: Previous reviews have criticized the use of significance tests in general and of unplanned pairwise multiple comparisons in particular. In this paper, it is argued that these tests are nonetheless useful. Significance tests compare treatment variation to error variation, which complements interval estimation. Unplanned pairwise multiple comparisons play a unique and valid role in separating treatment means. These tests are in no way invalidated by the previous authors' examples of misuse, nor wholly replaceable by the methods that they suggest as alternatives, which often have different purposes. Additional research questions are suggested.

Some properties of similar pairs

Abstract: In a given set, the elements are compared pairwise. The number W of similar pairs is studied, that is, the number of pairs with a certain property in common. Under certain conditions, W has, approximately, a Poisson distribution. Examples are considered connected with the birthday problem and with a circle problem involving DNA breakages.

A New Statistical Method for Mixed Variates Analysis in Epidemiological Research

Abstract: Epidemiologically oriented research often may not do without observational or only partially controlled studies. In many such situations both qualitative characteristics and quantitative ones are observed. In literature there are different methods of handling such problems. The paper presents a method for analyzing dependencies resp. associations between random variates of any kind. The model concerned fullfills the whole field between analysis of variance, analysis of covariance and contingency table analysis. The method is named MIVA or mixed variates analysis, bases on the class of Conditional Gaussian Distributions of the exponential family and results in a unique system of mixed and unmixed measures of association–of pairwise, partial, multiple and global type. These measures are easy to be estimated and tested on significant deviation from zero. They may be used describing or analyzing dependence structures in many epidemiological studies but also in other fields.